Osteoporosis: Not Just An Elderly Disease

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It used to be that osteoporosis was considered a disease that affected
only the elderly. We particularly associated osteoporosis with older women
whose backs were slightly hunched over or those who could no longer stand
up straight. Today, the truth is that an estimated 20 million American
women suffer from osteoporosis, and 80 percent of them don't even know
it.

Osteoporosis is a chronic, progressive condition that steals bone from
the body, leading to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. Older people
can suffer disability and even death from osteoporosis-related fractures.
Alarmingly, one in two women and one in eight men will suffer from an osteoporosis-related
fracture in his or her lifetime.

Many people confuse osteoporosis with arthritis, and wait for swollen
joints and discomfort before being tested. Even though osteoporosis is
painless until a bone fracture occurs, it is important to find out how
healthy your bones are now and if need be, adjust your lifestyle to avoid
this brittle bone disease. The American Chiropractic Association recommends
the following tips to maintain healthy bones:

Start a regular exercise program. Walking, skipping rope, jogging, playing
racquet sports, swimming and aerobics are all helpful in reducing the
risk of osteoporosis. Exercising for 20 minutes, three times a week,
is helpful.

Although weight lifting exercises are generally recommended, the National
Osteoporosis Foundation says those suffering from osteoporosis should
consult their health care practitioner before beginning a weight lifting
program because excessive strain on the bones could result.

Those with severe osteoporosis and who have suffered from fractures may
find Tai Chi, a form of martial arts, to be a beneficial strength training
exercise system.

People suffering from osteoporosis should be careful when bending and
lifting heavy objects, including grandchildren. Bend from the knees,
not the waist, when lifting, and try to avoid hunching while sitting
or standing.

Be sure to include calcium in your daily diet. The National Institutes
of Health's recommendations are 1,000 mg/day for post-menopausal women
taking estrogen; 1,500 mg/day for postmenopausal women not taking estrogen,
and 1,500 mg/day for men and women over 65 years of age.

If you are looking for a calcium supplement, try one that's highly absorbable,
such as microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC), or one of
the malates, fumarates, succinates, glutarates, or citrates. But don't
overdo it. Taking more than the recommended amount of calcium may cause
kidney stones.